Venous insufficiency has a high incidence worldwide. It is seen in 5-15% of all men en 15-30% of all women in western countries, varying from cosmetic complaints to chronic venous insuffiency and ulcers. The prevalence of insufficiency of the small saphenous vein (SSV) is 10-18%. In the early twentieth century the surgical procedure of choice for insufficiency of the great saphenous vein (GSV) was the saphenofemoral ligation and GSV stripping. Since stripping of the SSV resulted in a large number of nerve damages of the sural nerve, the method was adjusted to the saphenopopliteal ligation. The percentage of therapy failure (persistent insufficiency of the SSV perioperatively) is 25%. Reflux at one year was seen in 52%. The number of therapy failure is explained by the variable anatomy of the SSV and its junction.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimal invasive, percutaneous, endovenous technique causing heat mediated steam bubbles resulting in endothelial damage and occlusion of the venous segment. EVLT is a widely used technique for treatment of insufficiency of the GSV. The use of EVLT for treatment of the insufficient of the SSV has not been investigated earlier by a randomized trial. Due to the fact that the SSV is cannulated under ultrasound guidance, it is certain the correct vein is being treated. This may result in a reduction of therapy failures and long term insufficiency.